Industrial Vanguard Newsletter Vol. 7

Week of: February 10, 2025

Introduction

This week new tariffs are shaking up global supply chains, billion-dollar factories are getting canceled, and AI is driving bold investments across manufacturing and automation.

The U.S. is moving forward with steep steel and aluminum tariffs, while Canada and China are responding with their own trade measures, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and investors. At the same time, major EV battery projects in the U.S. are being scrapped, raising concerns about the future of domestic production. Meanwhile, France is doubling down on nuclear power to fuel AI development, and AI-driven automation continues to reshape industries, from supply chains to military applications.

This issue covers key developments across materials, energy, manufacturing, supply chain logistics, productization, and recycling—offering insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of industrial technology.

Materials

• Trump’s Next Round of Tariffs—25% on Steel and Aluminum—Won’t Be So Easily Averted
  The Biden administration may struggle to prevent the latest round of U.S. tariffs, potentially disrupting industrial supply chains. Read more

• ArcelorMittal Advances New Electrical Steel Facility in Alabama
  The company is pushing forward with a world-class electrical steel facility, strengthening the U.S. position in advanced steel manufacturing. Read more

Energy

• DOT Suspends Biden’s $5B EV Charging Network Program
  The U.S. government has put a hold on its national EV charging initiative, creating uncertainty for infrastructure investments. Read more

• France Bets on Nuclear Power for AI Supremacy
  France is investing in nuclear energy to power AI training clusters, aiming to compete with U.S. and Chinese AI dominance. Read more

• 75F Raises $45M to Expand Energy-Saving Building Automation
  The company's technology improves energy efficiency in commercial buildings, attracting major Series B investment. Read more

• Trump Freezes Funding for Clean Energy
  The administration is redirecting federal funding away from renewable energy programs, impacting climate-focused industries. Read more

• Podero Closes €5.5M Round to Improve Grid Flexibility and Pricing
  The company’s AI-driven solution helps utilities optimize electricity distribution. Read more

Manufacturing

• KORE Power Cancels $1B Arizona EV Battery Factory Plans
  The EV battery company pulls out of a major U.S. project, citing shifting economic conditions. Read more

• FREYR Cancels $2.6B Gigafactory in Georgia
  A second major battery manufacturer halts its U.S. expansion plans, raising concerns over domestic battery production. Read more

• US Delays Tariffs on Mexico to March
  The Biden administration pushes back new trade restrictions on Mexican imports. Read more

• Advanced Magnet Manufacturing Begins in the United States
  U.S. companies ramp up production of rare-earth-free magnets, critical for EVs and clean energy. Read more

• SAEKI Secures $6.7M to Revolutionize Large-Scale Manufacturing
  The Swiss startup is innovating in industrial-scale manufacturing automation. Read more

• Tesla Opens Megapack Battery Factory in China Amid Trade War Tensions
  Despite escalating U.S.-China trade disputes, Tesla expands production in China. Read more

• Apptronik Raises $350M for Humanoid Robots
  The robotics company, backed by Google, is accelerating humanoid automation for industrial applications. Read more

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Fashion Supply Chains: 2025’s Risks and Trends
  Key risks in apparel supply chains include geopolitical instability and rising raw material costs. Read more

• Transits Through the Panama Canal Drop 10%
  Declining water levels and shipping bottlenecks continue to disrupt global logistics. Read more

• Urban Sky Raises $30M for Stratospheric Supply Chain Monitoring
  The company aims to revolutionize logistics tracking via high-altitude platforms. Read more

• Kodiak’s First Commercial AV Truck Deployment—What’s Next?
  The autonomous trucking company advances its commercial fleet rollout. Read more

• Pendulum Secures $22M for AI-Driven Supply Chain Optimization
  AI-powered logistics management is gaining traction among major industrial players. Read more

Productization

• MediaTek Braces for Potential U.S. Tariffs on Taiwan Chips
  The semiconductor giant is preparing for supply chain disruptions. Read more

• Multiples PE Acquires Majority Stake in QBurst
  A significant private equity deal strengthens QBurst’s market position. Read more

• Elon Musk Leads $97.4B Bid for Control of OpenAI
  A high-stakes takeover attempt is underway in the AI sector. Read more

Recycling

• BMW i Ventures Invests in GreenSpark for Metal Recycling Digitalization
  AI-driven automation is reshaping metal recycling. Read more

About the Fountainhead Fund

The Fountainhead Fund is a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in the most promising startups and technologies in the industrial sector. From cutting-edge advancements in materials to transformative energy solutions, we actively seek opportunities to fund and support the innovations that are shaping the future of industry.

www.fountainheadfund.com

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